Kings XI says it has made strategic additions to squad

Mumbai: Kings XI Punjab said it has made strategic additions to the squad for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by buying India opener Murali Vijay and domestic cricketers Nikhil Naik and Yogesh Golwalker in the players' auction held in Bengaluru.

Commenting on the newly-added players to the team, the franchise's promoters said, "We are pleased with the additions made to the franchise and would like to welcome the players to the Kings XI family. Our intent during the auction was to further solidify our batting and bowling line-up to ensure a well-balanced squad.”

"Given the team's outstanding performance during the previous season and the Champions League, we are hopeful about recreating the same magic and bringing the trophy home this year.," they said.

IPL season 8 is scheduled from April 8 to May 24.

"Making strategic additions to the team with a spend of Rs 3.4 crore and remaining wallet of Rs 9.2 crore, the franchise has fortified its batting and bowling sides," the IPL outfit said in a release.

Vijay, who played for Delhi Daredevils last year, went under the hammer for Rs 3 crore, while wicket-keeper Naik and all-rounder Golwalker were bought by Kings XI for Rs 30 lakh and 10 lakh, respectively.

The franchise, which had finished runners-up to Kolkata Knight Riders last year, had released Cheteshwar Pujara, Lakshmipathy Balaji, Murali Kartik and Mandeep Singh from the squad ahead of the upcoming edition of IPL.

Kings XI was represented at the auction by co-promoters and board of directors Mohit Burman, Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia, along with Fraser Castellino, Chief Operating Officer, and Ashish Tulli, Official Analyst, the release added.